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Stars vs Kings Picks and Predictions – Monday January 12, 2026
The Dallas Stars head to Los Angeles on Monday night for a matchup that’s turned into a special teams test. Dallas is still trying to shake a three-week dip in results, and the clearest leak lately has been the penalty kill. When they stop moving their feet, they start reaching, and that’s been putting them shorthanded way too often.
The Kings are back at Crypto.com Arena after a quick Canada swing and they’ve already shown two versions of themselves on that trip. If Los Angeles brings the Edmonton-level urgency and Dallas keeps handing out power plays, the Kings are very live as a home dog. Puck drop is set for 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT) with streaming coverage on ESPN+.
Dallas Stars vs Los Angeles Kings Odds
These are the current betting lines. With goalie confirmations and late market action, bettors should keep monitoring the latest NHL odds before locking in a side or total.
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Stars | -120 | -1.5 (+203) | 5.5 |
| Los Angeles Kings | +101 | +1.5 (-255) | 5.5 |
Dallas Stars Betting Form
Dallas has not been far off at 5v5, but the game has been getting away from them in the penalty minutes. When you’re killing barely half your penalties over a short stretch, it doesn’t matter if the five-on-five work is decent. You’re basically playing the whole night on a tilted scoreboard. The overtime loss in San Jose was another example, too many short-handed situations, too many chances against, and you end up chasing.
The betting angle is simple: Dallas is still talented enough to win, but they’ve been priced like a steady favorite while playing like a team with a volatile floor. If they clean up the stick infractions and stop giving teams repeated looks on the power play, their path looks normal again. If not, they’re going to keep forcing offense late, and that’s how margins snowball.
For recent form, splits, and trends, use Dallas Stars stats and results. For availability, check the Dallas Stars injury report before puck drop.
Los Angeles Kings Betting Form
Los Angeles is built to make opponents earn everything. Their defensive structure usually keeps games in that tight, low-event lane, especially at home. That matters in a matchup where Dallas is trying to stabilize, because if the Stars get impatient, the Kings can bait them into bad penalties and then turn the special teams edge into the difference.
The other thing I like here is the Kings’ response factor. They looked flat in Winnipeg, then came back the next night and played with much more purpose. Back home with a day to reset, this is a spot where you often see their details tighten up early, cleaner zone exits, fewer loose changes, and a more predictable shot quality profile.
For matchup context and home/road splits, see Los Angeles Kings schedule and stats. For availability, check the Los Angeles Kings injury report before puck drop.
Dallas Stars vs Los Angeles Kings Matchup Breakdown
This handicap starts with special teams. Dallas has been leaking goals on the kill, and that’s not just a “bad bounce” problem, it’s a volume problem created by penalties plus coverage mistakes once they’re down a man. The Kings don’t need to dominate 5v5 if they can win the power-play battle and force Dallas into a game state where they’re pressing.
At 5v5, Dallas can still carry play in stretches, but Los Angeles is comfortable turning this into a grind. The Kings want the Stars taking shots from the outside, then they want clean clears and a reset. Dallas has to be willing to stay patient and keep pucks below the circles. If they start forcing seam plays and getting picked off, that feeds into the Kings’ transition looks and draws more penalties.
Goaltending is a real swing, and it’s not something you want to guess at. Dallas’ starter hasn’t been confirmed, and the Kings’ crease decision matters too because this matchup can live in the margins. If you’re betting early, make sure your number still makes sense once starters are announced and the market reacts.
If you want a clean way to evaluate special teams volatility, penalties, and situational spots like this, the NHL betting guide is a helpful reference point.
Dallas Stars vs Los Angeles Kings Predictions and Best Bets
Dallas being a small road favorite makes sense on raw roster strength, but the current version of Dallas has not earned a “trust tax” price. The penalty kill is the clearest pain point, and Los Angeles is exactly the kind of opponent that can punish you for repeated trips to the box without needing to win run-and-gun.
I also like the Kings’ game script here. At home, they can set matchups, keep shifts orderly, and make Dallas work through layers. If the Stars get frustrated and start chasing contact with their sticks, the Kings’ power play becomes the separator. That’s the scenario I’m betting into.
The puck line prices don’t offer much on the Kings side, so the value is on the home moneyline. If this is tight late, I’d rather be holding plus money in a game where the Kings’ defensive structure and special teams edge can decide a single goal.
Best Bet: Los Angeles Kings Moneyline +101
NHL Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
If you’re betting NHL regularly, it helps to keep your reads consistent across the slate instead of reacting to the last result. The NHL picks page is a strong starting point for comparing sides and totals and seeing where opinions line up.
To follow the bettors who are actually producing over time, check the best handicappers and the leaderboard. If you want full cards and tighter timing around market moves, you can also access premium packages through buy picks. And for more matchup previews across the schedule, the NHL previews hub keeps everything organized, while the Stanley Cup betting guide is useful for thinking bigger picture when futures and playoff paths start to matter.
